March 17, 1976

Rotarians Wrestle With Redemption, Ethics

The topic of today's sermon, brothers and sisters, is redemption - and the quality of this virtue in the world at large.

This may seem an academic subject to most of you, but it suddenly has become an urgent, philosophical problem to 785,000 Rotarians in 151 nations.

Consider.

Wolfgang A.  Wick, a highly respected citizen of Austria, was nominated last month for the presidency of Rotary International.

Rotary enjoys a world-wide reputation for high ethical principles and service to mankind.  Thus, it was a sensation when the Jewish Documentation Center announced that Wick had been a Nazi and an officer of Hitler's elite Storm Troopers.  The Rotary Clubs of Holland - where Nazi persecution had been particularly vicious - immediately protested.

The reaction of Rotarians ranged from dismay to shock.  Flaming editorials throughout the world demanded the withdrawal of the nomination.

Without warning, a day of judgment burst upon the consciences of Rotarians who have prided themselves for more than a half century on the highest standards of fellowship and understanding.

"Service Above Self," is their main motto.

The nominating committee wrestled with the problem first.

Rotarian Wick has served faithfully and well since joining the club at Klagenfurt in 1951.  He has been president of his club, governor of his Rotary district, and a director and vice-president of Rotary International - all positions requiring approval and election by his peers.  In addition, he has served on several international Rotary committees, most recently on the "Purposes and Objectives" committee.

In his profession he is vice-chairman of the Board of the Austro-American Magnesite Company of Austria - a firm which deals in refractory boiler-lining materials.  Also, he is vice-president Europe of the General Refractories Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

His list of honors is as long as your arm, but included are decorations 6f the Order of Merit of the Austria-Republic, Commander Cross of the Swedish Wasa Order, and the Lebanese Order of Cedars.

After his nomination, Wick informed the committee of his World War II affiliation and declined the honor in order to avoid an awkward situation.

The Rotary nominating committee, comprised of a past director from each of 11 world regions, debated the issue.  By tradition, committee debate is confidential - only its recommendation is announced.  It is certain, however, that every nuance of Rotary principles was rigorously applied to the test at hand.

They would have examined the Object of Rotary presented in certificate form to every Rotarian upon his acceptance into membership: "To encourage and foster....the advancement of international understanding, good will, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional men united in the ideal of service."

They would have re-read a 1963 standing resolution of the Rotary Board of Directors: "The religious and political beliefs of a Rotarian are regarded as being his own concern.  A Rotarian is expected to be faithful to his religion and loyal in his citizenship."

Finally they most likely would have taken their membership card out of their wallets and pondered the Four-Way Test printed thereon: "1.  Is it the truth?  2.  Is it fair to all concerned?  3.  Will it build good will and better friendship?  4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?"

What ever the arguments, the decision of the committee was re-nomination of Rotarian Wick.

There are some who contend that to place a former renegade at the pinnacle of ethical honor is to be degrade those ethics.  Nazi storm troopers were the antipode of humanity.

Yet, that was 30 years ago when most German and Austrian citizens were Nazi or Nazi sympathizers.  Wick was a middle level officer and in no way associated with the 'atrocities committed outside his own country.  Those who committed war crimes paid the penalty after the Nuremberg trials.

All major religions are based on redemption - on salvation for sins repented.  Without this principle, for example, the Judaeo-Christian religion is meaningless.

Is the ultimate fate of Rotarian Wick a matter of social ethics in which all past transgressions are properly accountable forever after?

Or is it a matter of religious morality which permits - no, seeks - redemption for the individual?

Undoubtedly, challenging nominations will be presented to the Rotary International convention this summer at New Orleans.  Rotarians throughout the world will have to cast their votes.

For those of us who fought in World War II, or lost a relative because of it, the decision will be soul searching.  The war ended 30 years ago, but the peace treaty did not turn off our memories.

The upcoming Rotary vote on Mr. Wick representing so large a sample of world opinion - will indicate the degree to which memory has been reconciled with redemption.

It will be close.

Author: Lindsey Williams